States of Matter (Basic) PhET Exploration
Name __________________________________
Hour ______
Website: http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/states of matter basics
Checking My Understanding Comparing Solids, Liquids, and Gases
Once at the site, hit the Run Now button. Complete the following matrix using the States of Matter
(Basic) Simulation. Focus on similarities and differences.
State of Matter NEON
Solid
Items to be compared
Liquid
Shape
Space between atoms
Attraction between the
atoms
Describe the motion of
the atoms
Kinetic Energy of the
atoms
Draw a picture
Adapted from Marzano A Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works.
Gas
State of Matter
OXYGEN
Solid
Items to be compared
Liquid
Gas
Shape
Space between atoms
Attraction between the
atoms
Describe the motion of
the atoms
Kinetic Energy of the
atoms
Draw a picture
Compare the Neon matrix with the Oxygen matrix and answer the following.
1. What knowledge did you need to complete this task?
2. What insights did you gain (what did you learn) about the process of identifying similarities and
differences while using these comparison matrixes.
Adapted from Marzano A Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works.